Sunday, July 5, 2015

Hedgebrook, Day Eleven



Sunset last night over Deer Lagoon. The bugs are so dense that their noise is collective -- a terrifying hum that explains the word swarm.


Sunrise this morning from Hedgebrook Farm looking out toward Useless Bay and the moon. I go to bed very late, writing and then reading until 2 or 3 in the morning and then sleeping until 10 or even later. I dream every night or early morning, too, something that only happened sporadically for many years. My mind, I think, is free to range. This morning, I woke before 5 and decided to put shoes on and go outside for a walk around the farm. It was barely light. I want to see an owl. The woods were, in fact, lovely, dark and deep. When I reached the meadow, three deer lifted their heads and looked in my direction, walked into the woods. Birds and the distant, insistent crow of a rooster. No owl. Something in the bushes rustled. I was the only human awake. At my cottage I climbed into the loft and got into the bed, still warm despite the half hour that had passed since I'd left. I went back to sleep and yes, I dreamed of an owl.

16 comments:

  1. Being in that sort of nature is the most incredible thing. I hope you see an owl in real life there but I am glad and delighted that you dreamed of one.

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  2. Beautiful photos. It sounds just perfect to walk before everything else is awake, maybe even all the bugs. You bring it all to life so perfectly. Enjoy your solitude.

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  3. My dear Elizabeth, I have been out of touch with the blogging world for many weeks and was completely unaware of your participation in this writer’s retreat. My deepest apologies dear friend. How did this come about?

    What a beautiful environment for you to receive the soulful respite you deserve! Your quaint little cottage nestled in nature is so beautiful and will no doubt reconnect you with your soul.

    I have always admired your eloquence and am eager to read what inspires you here.

    My only disappointment is that I will miss you somehow, even though we have never met.

    p.s. Pay attention to what you observe in nature here. As you know, I am a believer that similar energies attract. It is interesting to me that your dreams and observations here have brought the owl, deer and dragon fly to you, all powerful symbols of personal transformation, and an ability to see what may be hidden. There is a deep ability for the powers of intuition, insight and moving through obstacles with grace. There is an almost magical ability to regenerate. Hmm.

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  4. I see a coconut moon.
    I have only seen 2 owls in my 15 years of living up here - but both times were unforgettable and very much like a visitation.

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  5. I see a coconut moon.
    I have only seen 2 owls in my 15 years of living up here - but both times were unforgettable and very much like a visitation.

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  6. I see a coconut moon.
    I have only seen 2 owls in my 15 years of living up here - but both times were unforgettable and very much like a visitation.

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  7. I see owls on the Olympic Penninsula all the time. You will see yours because he came an Animal God to you in your dream. I get the feeling you describe here when I camp by myself on the Oregon coast. Your path is holy and dangerous as it needs to be for the work. A turkey vulture flew right above my head when I was standing in the tidal flats Friday morning. I could barely breathe. I sent him in your direction. You are the bravest woman I know.

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  8. I am glad you got your owl, even if it was in a dream. xo

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  9. I had a vague idea of where Whidbey island was, so I looked it up. It looks pretty much like Vancouver Island, very beautiful. Take care.

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  10. Three deer must be auspicious. And dreaming of owls. Did you pack the mugwort?

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  11. Useless Bay. What a great name.

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  12. Owl medicine, deer medicine, forest medicine. I am reminded of all the stories of people who lose their way and go deep into the woods to find themselves again.

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  13. I wanted to see an owl until one visited us last year. Hung around near the house (up in a tree where he had a view inside). He stayed three months. I hope to never see him again. Your early a.m. walk sounds spectacular.

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  14. I just love the way you tell your stories.

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  15. I just love the way you tell your stories.

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